Switchgear Control Apparatus Spring Motor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switchgear control systems require over-dimensioned motors and longer, more complex mechanisms due to the need to accumulate and release energy simultaneously for opening and closing moving contacts, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that separates the stages of opening, re-cocking, and closing the moving contact, using a mechanical spring for opening and a motor for closing, allowing the spring to accumulate energy independently, thus reducing the energy required for closure and enabling a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combined motor-spring system is used to control opening and closing of moving contact, then both opening and closing functions can be achieved, but the motor becomes over-dimensioned and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control process is divided into three distinct sequential stages: opening stage (spring-driven), re-cocking stage (motor-driven), and closure stage (motor-driven). This segmentation allows the motor to be optimized for its specific tasks rather than being over-dimensioned for combined opening and closing functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Power
If the spring accumulates energy during closing stage for use in opening, then opening can be achieved with less motor power, but the closure stroke becomes less controlled and requires more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the spring's energy accumulation function from the closure stage. The spring is re-cocked during a dedicated re-cocking stage when the contact is already open, allowing energy accumulation without interfering with closure control. During the closure stage, only the motor acts on the contact, providing full control while the spring remains stationary, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced motor power and controlled closure.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the spring is involved during closure stage, then energy can be stored for opening, but the motor must be more powerful and the device more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is re-cocked in advance during a dedicated re-cocking stage performed by the motor while the moving contact remains in its open position. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the spring to be fully charged before the closure operation begins, enabling the motor to use optimized, lower power during the closure stage without relying on spring assistance, thus reducing overall motor power requirements.
4Use of energy by moving object
If opening and closing strokes are extended to accommodate spring re-cocking, then spring energy can be utilized, but the device becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dedicated re-cocking stage that is spatially and temporally separated from the opening and closing strokes. During this intermediate stage, the motor moves the moving abutment element to re-cock the spring while the connection end remains stationary at point P2. This segmentation allows the spring to be fully utilized for opening without extending the actual opening or closing stroke lengths, thereby maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for a more reliable and efficient control of electrical switchgear with reduced energy consumption and a more compact design, as the motor can be of lower power and the closure stage is fully controlled without spring involvement, optimizing the contact stroke.
Implementation Method 1
an opening mechanical spring received between an element fastened to the frame and a moving abutment element... causing the connection end for connection to the moving contact to go from the point P1 to the point P2, under the effect of the opening mechanical spring moving the moving abutment element
Implementation Method 2
moving the moving abutment element under the effect of switching on said at least one motor... also under the effect of switching on said at least one motor
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for controlling electrical switchgear, the control apparatus being designed such that it is capable of performing the following in succession:during an opening stage for opening the moving contact, causing the connection end for connection to the moving contact and provided on an output member to go from the point P1 to the point P2, under the effect of an opening mechanical spring moving a moving abutment element that drives the output member by abutment;during a re-cocking stage for re-cocking the spring, moving the moving abutment element under the effect of switching on a motor, while keeping the connection end at the point P2; andduring a closure stage for closing the moving contact, causing the connection end to go from the point P2 to the point P1, also under the effect of switching on the motor.